Esquire Magazine Cover

Esquire magazine first began in 1933 by Arnold Gingrich and David Smart. It originally started out as a men’s fashion magazine which showcased the newest looks. By the 1960s, the magazine started to gain more respect. With this respect came some rebranding. Instead of being focused on just fashion, Esquire started to address some unconventional ideas and stories. In March of 1965, the cover seen above was released. This design was created by George Lois, a designer who had created a lot of work for Esquire.  

On the cover the actress Virna Lisi is seen shaving her shaving cream-covered face with a razor. This cover is the perfect juxtaposition of feminine beauty and masculine regime. At the time, this design was seen as being too edgy or bizarre. In an interview, Lois explained that he “wanted to capture a woman being manly and still beautiful. It was a spoof of the whole idea of a glamorous Hollywood.” In other words, Lois wanted to push the idea that things as silly as beauty regimes should not be gendered. And women can still be the epitome of beauty, while shaving their face. 

Designs that shape societal standards like this one are so important. They help to spread ideas that encourage inclusivity and break down barriers.